Aranda, Gabriel de.

first edition, 4to (204 x 142mm.), 2 engraved plates, old vellum, later red morocco label

Palau 14941; Medina (Filipinas) 234

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The mission to evangelise the inhabitants of the Mariana Islands was initiated by Father Diego Luis de San Vitores who had arrived on the islands with a few companions on 16 June 1668 and established their main base at Agana, on the island of Guam. For many years it was one of the most dangerous of the Jesuit missions and despite the protection of a small garrison of mixed Spanish and Filipino troops many priests were martyred. Father Monroy, who was killed in 1676 at the age of 28 was "the victim of native retaliation against the Spaniards for the execution of a chief after a Spanish soldier was found murdered in September 1676. Monroy and six soldiers were on their way to Agana after the outbreak of trouble when they were lured onto the canoe of a chief whom they thought friendly. Once the canoe was well offshore, the Chamorros overturned it and finished off the priest and soldiers with spears and clubs. With the death of Monroy, the first period of martyrdom came to an end." (Francis X. Hezel, From Conversion to Conquest: The Early Spanish Mission in the Marianas). The author of this work, the Jesuit father Gabriel Aranda, was one of the earliest missionaries to go to the Marianas.